A new Designated Area Migration Agreement (DAMA) has been secured for the Northern Territory to provide ongoing access for employers in the Territory until 30 June 2030.

The new agreement features an expanded range of 325 occupations across various industries and sectors in the Territory where there are workforce shortages.

There were 135 occupations available under the previous DAMA.

The NT was the first jurisdiction to establish a DAMA in 2015 and this will be the third DAMA established for the Territory.

The NT DAMA III allows for up to 1,500 approved nominations per year for overseas workers on a Skills in Demand or Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional visa, an increase from the 625 annual nominations facilitated under the previous agreement. 

Evidence of sustained labour market shortages is a key component in the establishment of the new DAMA and includes occupation and regional level labour market analysis undertaken by Jobs and Skills Australia.

Since 2015, the NT DAMA has enabled local employers to address their unique economic and labour market needs with a level of flexibility that is not available in standard skilled migration programs.

The new approach will also support the alignment of the DAMA program with state and territory migration plans and the multi-year planning models.

Minister for International Education, Migration and Population Robyn Cahill said: “The CLP Government is making it easier for Territory businesses to recruit and retain overseas workers in occupations that are in demand."

“Territory businesses experiencing critical skill shortages will now have access to more places and more occupations under the new and improved DAMA III," she said.

“DAMA III provides greater access to migrants and streamlined process for people wanting to live and stay in the Northern Territory.”

Federal Assistant Minister for Immigration, the Matt Thistlethwaite said: “The Albanese Government is supporting NT businesses to secure the workers they need to grow their businesses and thrive."

“At the same time, we make sure that workers are paid fairly with decent wages and conditions to participate in top end communities," he said.

“We have worked with the NT government to develop an agreement that will support business growth, fair worker conditions and growth in the NT economy.”

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom